March 7, 2009

Florists of Conscience

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Via Andrew Sullivan, a Catholic conference on Friday came up with an anti-gay position that seems like something Saturday Night Live might have made up:

[Connecticut’s] law does not require Catholic priests — or any other clergy member — to preside over same-sex weddings.

However, the church is seeking additional exemptions. For instance, it wants to ensure that a florist opposed to gay marriage on religious grounds not be forced to sell flowers to a same-sex couple.

I don’t think a Catholic nurse should be required to assist at an abortion.  I don’t think a Catholic charity should be required to provide benefits to same-sex couples.  But now they’re suggesting, essentially, that anyone, anywhere, in any business, should be allowed to withhold their services from gay couples?  Give me a break.

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